Richard A. Bottomley

On Dec. 3, 2012, Richard A. Bottomley passed away in Gaylord. He was 67 years old.

Rich was born in Charlotte on Dec. 28, 1944. He was the youngest son of Alfred and Dorothy Bottomley. As a young child he lived in Potterville and at the age of 4 his family moved to Gaylord.

Rich was a gifted athlete and played football and basketball as a student at Gaylord High School. He graduated in 1963 after which he joined the U.S. Army where he served in the 82nd Airborne working as a parachute rigger. Rich served in France, Germany and Turkey during his tour of duty and attained the rank of sergeant when discharged.

Upon his return to the United States, Rich returned to Gaylord and worked in real estate with his father. He married Nancy (Bandfield) Bottomley on Feb. 7, 1970. He became a father later in 1970 when his son William was born. His second son, Nicholas, was born in 1973. He worked for Standard Products, Shell Oil, Mercury Exploration, Higgins Industries and in adult foster care facilities over the course of his life.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman and loved to show friends and family around Northern Michigan, particularly the Pigeon River Forest. He enjoyed hunting, racquetball, walking, snowshoeing, skiing and following the Tour de France and Iditarod on television and the Internet.

Rich always enjoyed spending time with friends and family who often visited the big white house on the corner of Main and Hazel. In 2010, Richard became a grandfather when Samuel was born to his oldest son.

Since his retirement, Rich became involved as a volunteer, serving at the Otsego County Community Food Pantry, RSVP, and as a mentor.

Rich had an infectious laugh, was warm and welcoming. He will be missed by his family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Bottomley and Dorothy Bottomley; brother, Douglas Bottomley; sister-in-law, Nancy K. Bottomley; brother-in-law, Terry Gocha; and nephews, Richard Bottomley, Robert Bottomley and Jeff Gocha.

Services will be held today (Saturday), Dec. 8, at noon at the Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N. Center Ave., Gaylord. Family and friends were received Friday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. They will also be received today from 11 a.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to The Otsego County Food Pantry or the Friendship Shelter through The Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548 Gaylord, MI 49734